What if I told you it only takes 3 ingredients to build a boat? It might not be sea-worthy, but these delicious spaghetti squash boats are the perfect vessel for a nutritious, hearty voyage to the dining room table.
Spaghetti squash boats
These spaghetti squash boats are easy and full of flavor! With only 3 ingredients required, it's a very low-key recipe. Though simple, this meal is packed with delicious flavor and nutrients! It totally gives a big spaghetti dinner vibes, but is only has 350 calories per serving. These spaghetti squash boats can impress any guest with minimal work on your end.
What ingredients do I need?
These spaghetti squash boats only require 3 ingredients!
- Spaghetti squash - Spaghetti squash is a winter vegetable that's typically large, yellow, and oval-shaped. Once the squash is cooked, a fork is used to scrape the inside or "meat" of the squash to make little strands. These strands often look like spaghetti, hence the name "spaghetti squash." This squash is often used as a substitute for spaghetti noodles due to its low calorie, high fiber content, and other nutritional benefits.
- Pasta sauce - The spaghetti squash strands will be mixed in about ½ - 1 jar of pasta sauce for this recipe. You can choose any flavor or kind of pasta sauce you like best.
- Mozzarella cheese - When the spaghetti squash is ready for its final cook in the oven, it'll be topped with mozzarella cheese that will melt and crisp.
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes - These are all optional toppings for this recipe to help add flavor.
What equipment do I need for this recipe?
Here's what you'll need for this recipe:
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowl
What is the process for this recipe?
I used to be really intimated to cook spaghetti squash because I didn't know how, but I quickly discovered it's actually very easy! Here's how this recipe works:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place the cut squash, cut side down, on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper or greased with cooking spray.
- Bake the spaghetti squash at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until tender.
- Take the spaghetti squash out of the oven and let them cool. When cool enough to touch, use a fork separate into strands and scoop out the squash into a large bowl. Set the shells aside
- Mix the pasta sauce and ½ of the cheese into the bowl with the strands of spaghetti sauce.
- Scoop the spaghetti sauce mixture back into the empty shells.
- Sprinkle the top of the mixture with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until the cheese melts and browns.
- Top with red pepper flakes or desired toppings.
- Serve directly from the shells.
How should I eat this recipe?
I like to eat the spaghetti squash right out of the shell, but you could also scoop it into another bowl. Sometimes I will add some extra protein to the spaghetti squash boats by making my slow cooker turkey meatballs for the side.
Looking for something similar?
If you want some easy fall dinner recipes, try one of these:
Can I have the recipe?
If you try this recipe and love it, please rate it and me know your thoughts! I hope you enjoy these spaghetti squash boats as much as I do.
Spaghetti Squash Boats
Equipment
- oven
- baking sheet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 1-2 cups pasta sauce ½-1 jar
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- salt & pepper
- red pepper flakes optional, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place the cut squash, cut side down, on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper or greased with cooking spray.
- Bake the spaghetti squash at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until tender.
- Take the spaghetti squash out of the oven and let them cool. When cool enough to touch, use a fork separate into strands and scoop out the squash into a large bowl. Set the shells aside
- Mix the pasta sauce and ½ of the cheese into the bowl with the strands of spaghetti sauce.
- Scoop the spaghetti sauce mixture back into the empty shells.
- Sprinkle the top of the mixture with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and browned.
- Top with red pepper flakes or desired toppings.
- Serve directly from the shells.
Notes
- Add ground turkey or ground beef meatballs for extra protein!
Kim
Saturday 27th of November 2021
Delicious. All the flavors of lasagna.
Becky
Monday 11th of January 2021
Loved the Spaghetti Squash Boats! I added lean ground beef to increase the protein macros and it was delicious and very filling. My college boys and high school daughter gave it two thumbs up as well. Hearty, easy to make, and healthy!
Jenn Usrey
Saturday 21st of November 2020
Delicious!